The importance and use of stem cells in dermatology

Stem cells are capable of self-renewal of their population and differentiation into specialized cells. There are several “niches” in the skin: 1) interfollicular stem cells – responsible for skin regeneration after injury; 2) in the hair follicle as follicular stem cells (“bulge”) and mesenchymal stem cells in the hair bulb and follicular papilla; 3) stem cells of mesodermal origin associated with blood vessels, giving rise to fibroblasts and myofibroblasts; and 4) melanocyte stem cells. Treatment with stem cells of skin diseases is still considered experimental. Intensive research is being carried out on their use in treating dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, systemic lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, different types of alopecia and ulcers and slow-healing wounds. Stem cells due to their flexibility and ability to differentiate into other specialized cells create the possibility for regenerative medicine.